Neymar will surpass Messi, Ronaldo in two years – Gilberto

Former Brazil international Gilberto says Neymar will be the world’s best player within two years.

Former Flamengo, Inter, Hertha and Tottenham full-back Gilberto won 35 caps for his country over a glittering career, which brought Confederations Cup and Copa America titles with the Selecao as well as two World Cup campaigns.

And with Brazil revitalised under new coach Tite, Gilberto believes Barcelona star Neymar will soon surpass the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and officially become the World Player of the Year.

“Neymar’s our best player, one of the best in the world,” Gilberto told Brasil Global Tour.

“I think he’s a little behind Cristiano and Messi right now, for having only recently arrived in Europe, but I’m sure Neymar, within a couple of years, will be raising his trophy. ”

“I had the opportunity to play under Tite at Gremio,” Gilberto said.

Gilberto went on to say he has not been at all surprised by the excellent start Tite has made in the dugout since succeeding Dunga as Brazil boss in June.

“He’s a man who has studied the game and he knows what he stands for, where he is and where he wants to go. I am sure he will be successful.”

“The Selecao is finding a way to play. They have to keep winning but we cannot deny that they look like a completely different team now.

“He is giving us all hope that we can return to the true Brazil.”

The former left-back also backed Real Madrid’s Marcelo to continue in his role as Tite’s preferred option on the left-side of a back four that has conceded just once in six outings since the new boss’s arrival.

“I think Marcelo is the absolute starter,” he said.